'We all hope to never face these situations': Mass casualty event simulated in St. Albert

Officers can be seen at an active shooter situation in St. Albert on Dec. 12, 2024. (Connor Hogg/CTV News Edmonton)

An active shooter situation was simulated in St. Albert on Thursday for the city and local first responders to practice their response to a mass casualty event.

The "full-scale" exercise involved around 250 participants and took place mostly at Jack Kraft Facility, though some simulations were carried out in and around Servus Credit Union Place.

Police, firefighter and EMS activity – including loud noises, drones and a helicopter – could be seen and heard at the locations.

"Mass casualty exercises like the one we are conducting today are a crucial part of ensuring community safety," said RCMP Chief Supt. Dale Kendall.

"While we all hope to never face these situations, the reality is that proactive training and collaborative efforts are the keys to building resilient and prepared communities."

Mark Pickford, manager of St. Albert emergency management, said the city periodically carries out environmental-related preparedness.

He said Thursday's exercise was a unique exercise, and an important one.

"Going through something like this is traumatic, and you don't know what it's like until you've actually experienced it, and that experience builds confidence," Pickford said.

"It'll give our staff more confidence that we're prepared and we're helping, and it'll give our first responders the same confidence."

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The mock casualties and evacuees were played by civilian volunteers.

Volunteers and police can be seen at an active shooter simulation in St. Albert on Dec. 12, 2024. (Connor Hogg/CTV News Edmonton)

Regan Lefebvre, a utilities manager with the city, volunteered to play someone who fell down the stairs.

"I did the best that I could to act like I was in pain," Lefebvre said.

"And I did OK, because the paramedics asked me a couple of times, 'Are you really in pain, or are you acting?'

He said it was "kind of fun" to take part in the simulation, but it also opened his eyes to what it might be like in a real emergency situation.

"It was a lot of waiting," he said. "With multiple casualties, you're not going to necessarily be the first one treated … You have to be patient in a situation like that."

Servus Place programs and activities were not affected.